Happy Earth Day from the Yoga Center of Columbia
At the Yoga Center of Columbia, so much of what we practice — the stillness of meditation, the rooted strength of yoga and Pilates, the flowing breath of qigong — mirrors what the natural world has been teaching all along. To root deep. To keep flowing. To breathe deeper with each season.
Beyond Yoga Poses
“If yoga practice [insert your mindful movement here, Pilates, qigong, nature walks] doesn’t make you a better person, why do it?” I once had a yoga teacher ask me this and I’ve never forgotten it. I was a gymnast through middle and high school and began yoga once that seemed too dangerous, but it was and is the mental and spiritual benefits that keep me coming back to my practice.
26 Ways to Find Your Calm in 2026
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, finding calm isn't about escaping reality—it's about building an inner refuge you can return to again and again. The good news? Calm isn't something you have to chase. It's something you cultivate, one small practice at a time.
Here are 26 ways to nurture your peace and resilience this year—because when you feel calm, you make the world a more peaceful place.
Book Study: The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride
For over 45 years, I have been at war with my body.
I felt my body was unruly: too tall, too big, too much…and yet, not enough.
Not small enough, not disciplined enough, not good enough.
Tara Brach would call this the trance of unworthiness
Yoga in the Wild
My nephew recently graduated from college. He went to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, so we went down to help him celebrate with his family. It is an exciting time to see his promise and potential, and we drove home on Skyline Drive. Taking the scenic route home reminded me that we do not have to go far to have wonderful experiences. This summer, celebrate with the Yoga Center. If you are traveling somewhere near or far, snap a pic of yourself in a yoga pose, then follow and tag us on social media. We are @The Yoga Center of Columbia on Facebook and @Columbiayoga on Instagram.
Steadfast and Strong in Spring
“I am beginning to despair and can see only two choices: either go crazy or turn holy.”
― Adélia Prado, The Alphabet in the Park: Selected Poems
What does yoga practice have to offer us in times of great chaos? Among other things, stability, grounding, connection, will power, and perspective.
Finding Balance: Equinox Meditation
Join Karen on a guided meditation to celebrate the Spring Equinox.
The Breath of Life
“You are not lazy, you are wintering”. These are the words of Donna Ashworth, helping us to recognize that the colder and shorter days of winter tend to lure us under a cozy blanket after feasting on a steaming bowl of stew. Winter is a time for deeper introspection, a time to slow down, hibernate and to learn to be still.
25 Ways to Reduce Stress
In today's fast-paced world, stress management isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. As we embrace the new year, let's explore evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing, and yes! We can help with most of them. From early morning rituals to evening wind-down practices, these 25 approaches will help you build resilience and find peace in your daily life.
Slow Down for a Serene Summer
In the heart of summer, as the days stretch long and the air fills with the scent of blooming life, there’s a natural invitation to slow our pace and breathe more deeply. At the Yoga Center of Columbia, we recognize that slowing down is not just a seasonal suggestion, but a profound practice that enriches our well-being and deepens our understanding of self.
Embracing Change
There is an excitement in the air. With springtime comes a wondrous shift in nature as the flowers bloom in waves, and temperatures warm as we approach the summer solstice. There is a shift at the Yoga Center also …
Earth Day Meditation
Celebrate Earth Day with Kelly Fisher and the Yoga Center of Columbia. Enjoy this free guided meditation.
Bloom Where You Are Planted
“Bloom where you are planted.” I first heard this phrase above from esteemed yoga teacher Betsy Downing from Garden of the Heart Yoga in Florida. The phrase is evocative for me.
How do you celebrate love?
Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, it is a season of love. At the Yoga Center of Columbia, we provide classes, workshops, and trainings that offer love and support to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. But what does that mean truly?